Doing Yoga?

Yoga is a system of philosophical thought like Existentialism, Bhuddism or Capatalism. Gramatically, we dont DO Yoga like we do not DO Capatalism etc. We may perform Asanas or Yogic poses at group class but the idea of doing Yoga as it is a list of something to accomplish that day incites that there is an absence from it while we are not doing it.

Styles are Yoga

Since Yoga has enter the Western sphere of cultural capital, economics and memetics many have branded their particular “Take” on Yoga and created a zealous following with Sanskrit terms (which actually adds to the confusion) or their names to indicate their unique style. Some examples would be Iyengar, Bikram and the use of the term Astanga Yoga by the Jois Family. Bringing us into the discussion of… are these complete systems? Usually not. They are styles where according to the individual one may appear more breath centered or another more movement centric etc. It does many times lead to people seeking or clinging to their imbalance. If people are achievement oriented and athletic they gravitate to a teacher that has the same qualities which in turn is rajasic and can lead to injury. The popularity and growth of yoga: Yoga has become increasingly popular in the Western world in recent decades, and this has led to the emergence of a variety of different styles and brands. Yoga is a flexible and adaptable practice, and this has allowed it to be adapted and modified to suit different needs and preferences. Different teachers and schools of yoga have developed their own approaches and styles, which has contributed to the diversity of modern postural yoga. Yoga has become a significant industry, and different brands and styles of yoga have emerged in order to appeal to different markets and consumer preferences. Overall, the wide range of styles and brands in modern postural yoga reflects the diversity and adaptability of the practice, as well as the influence of different teachers, schools, and marketing efforts.

I’m not Flexible so I cant

It is said that Modern Postural Yoga has turned into obsessive over-exaggerated aerobics and many times a flexibility contest which discourages many who would benefit from practicing. In my personal Yoga experience, the greatest changes and transformation came with extrememly simple, breath-centric unification of body and breath movement with almost no stretching at all. As this was understood the more subtle and contemplative tools given through the philosophy along with chanting, Bhavana and Dhyanam or the real gems in my personal practice. Yoga is a practice that is designed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, but these benefits can be gained over time and through regular practice. It is not necessary to be flexible in order to begin practicing yoga.

In fact, many people start practicing yoga with the goal of improving their flexibility, strength, and balance. It is important to remember that yoga is a journey, and progress is made gradually over time. It is not necessary to be able to perform advanced postures or to be flexible in order to begin practicing yoga.

It is important to approach yoga with an open and curious mind, and to listen to your body and respect its limits. It is also important to work with a qualified and experienced yoga teacher, who can provide guidance and modifications as needed. With regular practice and a consistent approach, anyone can experience the benefits of yoga, regardless of their flexibility or physical abilities.

Yoga is only Postures & Phsyical Exercise

If we are looking at Yoga through the lense of the Pātañjalayogaśāstra, the physical postures or Āsanas are mentioned 3 times in 196 sutras. If we are observing Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga of eight limbs of which Āsanas are one of those limbs, they represent 1/8 of the practice. Modern Postural Yoga became a housuehold word in the 80’s which was heavily inspired by the explosion of group aerobic exercise classes. These ideas have carried into today’s Yoga landscape with chains with names like CorePowerYoga and many Fitness Gyms offering Yogic postures and transitions taught by spandex clad instructors. While yoga does involve physical movement and postures (asanas), it is not simply a form of physical exercise. Yoga is a holistic system of practices that includes physical, mental, and spiritual elements. The physical practice of yoga, which involves the performance of asanas and pranayama (breathing exercises), is only one aspect of the tradition.

In yoga, the physical practice is seen as a means to achieve greater physical health and flexibility, but it is also designed to improve mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual well-being. The physical practice is closely connected to the mental and spiritual aspects of the tradition, and it is believed that the physical practice can help to calm the mind and bring about a sense of inner peace and clarity.

The ultimate goal of yoga is to bring about a state of balance and harmony in the mind, body, and spirit. This is achieved through the integration of the physical, mental, and spiritual practices of the tradition. As such, yoga is much more than just a physical exercise and is considered a holistic system for cultivating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Yoga is a Religion

Yoga is not considered a religion in the traditional sense, as it does not have a specific set of beliefs or practices that one must follow in order to be a part of the tradition. Rather, yoga is a holistic system of physical and mental practices that originated in ancient India and is designed to promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being.

While yoga has its roots in Hinduism and some aspects of yoga practice, such as chanting and puja (worship), may be connected to Hindu beliefs, yoga itself is not a religion. Many people from different religious backgrounds practice yoga and incorporate its teachings and practices into their own belief systems.

It is important to note that yoga is a personal practice and each individual is free to interpret and incorporate its teachings in a way that is meaningful to them. Some people may use yoga as a way to connect with a higher power or to seek spiritual enlightenment, while others may simply appreciate the physical and mental benefits of the practice.

Ultimately, the focus of yoga is on individual growth and self-improvement, rather than on any specific set of beliefs or practices. This is why it is often described as a "non-religious" or "secular" practice.